Politics

Inspired by an argument with someone important to me...

Been reading works of Plato, which contain the dialogues and arguments that his teacher, Socrates had. I must say that i find myself agreeing with Socrates most if not all the time. Haha... we would have been very close friends i think. The way he looks at everything in macro-perspective while everyone else harps on the microscopic is exactly how i feel at times. There's simply no way of making them come round when they're so caught up in the nitty-gritties of life.

Right, politics. PAP or Opposition?

I do dislike the fact that PAP is kinda monopolising the govt. We all know the saying "Put someone too long in power and he will misuse the power", or something like that. And of course some of the tactics that PAP uses to win votes are little different from bribery attempts. Yet all else considered, i arrive at the conclusion that Singapore's better off with the PAP in power, at least for now.

Trying to list down my arguments and even attempt to convince any anti-PAP supporters reading this is futile, that i believe. I've no idea how to put across my thoughts either. Anyway, i'll just put down the 2 that comes to mind.

1) Singapore isn't ready for political instability, no matter how short. We're too fragile as we are. I remember how my History teacher used to remind us that countries like the US has got their history and culture to fall back on, but we've got nothing. Yet.

2) PAP hasn't done anything significantly "evil" that demands that i withdraw my support for it.

Weak arguments for some people i suppose? But they're sufficient for me. I'm not sure what drives the Opposition into BECOMING the Opposition, but for me, if i'm someone working towards the good of Singapore, i wouldn't want to risk damaging the stability that we have in anyway. Sure i worry about the dominant party. But i guess being as conceited as i am, i'd attempt to JOIN them and do what i can to make sure they continue doing whats good and keep away from what's not. Hmmm... the Casino decision comes to mind -.-

I'm pretty sure the people in PAP are already trained in not saying the wrong things or agitating our neighbours without wit. But i'm not so sure about the Opposition. One wrong word from a hothead having a seat in the govt. and all hell would break loose. No use saying he's from Opposition, not PAP then. Other countries only see our govt. as one body.

Yes, i'm being paranoid and not giving the Opposition any benefit of doubt. But like i said, i've no reason to, until the PAP has become so rotten that anything else is better, even the risk of wiping Singapore from the World Map...

I was having the same discussion with the cab driver the other day. And i told him that i didn't see any out-standing talents in the Opposition. He told me: "Ya la, all the good ones join PAP what.."

Perhaps its not that PAP managed to pull them over. But that they understood their role and responsibilities to the country? Whats wrong with a one party govt.? You don't waste as much time arguing amongst yourselves and can concentrate on making the country a better place. Less "politics"... (Haha... politics within the govt. duh) Good decisions can be made faster and implemented faster, benefiting the people faster. But of course if bad ones were made...

Anyway yeah... I'm not pro-PAP, but from the country's point of view, i really don't see the need for any drastic changes yet. Soon perhaps. But not yet.

No comments needed on this one ya.